We're a moderately sized, ELCA affiliated church with about 1500 members. Our pastors are Craig Ellingboe and Paul Graham.
We’d love it if you’d join us in worship!
What is God's mission? What is your mission? The Mission Possible worship series is January 11th - 31, 2010! You are warmly invited to attend. Worship services are at 8:30 and 10:45 am. Tell your neighbors, bring a friend.
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May, 2009 Parish Visitor
By | April 29, 2009
May, 2009 Parish Visitor
Staff
Rev. Craig Ellingboe
Senior Pastor
craigellingboe@charter.net
Rev. Paul Graham
Associate Pastor
pastorpaulgraham@charter.net
Dottie Scharber
Business & Human Resource
Administrator
dottiescharber@charter.net
Matt Iverson
Youth Director
mattiverson@charter.net
Laura Gilligan
Children’s Ministries
lauragilligan@charter.net
Bernadette Johnson
Secretary
bernadettejohnson@charter.net
Neale Thompson
Pastoral counselor
nealethompson@charter.net
Dan & Dottie Scharber
Maintenance Coordinators
Donna Paulson
Organist
Peter Schleif
Senior Choir Director
Cornerstone Director
Todd Thompson
Sunday School Music Coordinator
Marilyn Wing
Jubilee Bells Director
Church Council
Mike Chapman
Persident
Deb Schad
Vice President
Bert Reese
Treasurer
Jan Nelson & Norma Lundell
Evangelism Board
Faith Bergemann
Worship Board
John Ehresmann
Business Management
Rein Lemke & Ed Vivant
Properties Board
Jo Odell
Congregational Life Board
Jeannie Machacek & Nancy Topp
Extended Ministries
Dale Snesrud
Stewardship Board
Penny Carr
Youth Board
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
St. Peter’s Mission Statement
Expressing God’s love and grace to build a community where people
Believe in God,
Belong to Christ, and
Become disciples
who serve in day to day living.
Pastor’s Corner:
Your Gifts Make a Difference
I’ve just been looking at pictures from our most recent mission trip to Guatemala. Mission is one of our Core Values here at St. Peter’s in the very real sense that we are always looking for ways to “Reach Out Beyond Our Four Walls.” By now, many of you know that our Mission Task Force is in the planning stages of sending our third mission team to Guatemala this coming November.
Here’s my offer: Would you be willing to consider a special gift to St. Peter’s as a fundraiser for this trip with part of the money going to the Guatemala Mission, and part of it staying here to fund our other ministries? I am thinking of a gift in the amount of $200. If you are willing to give such a gift I would like to guarantee you a “thank you” gift for supporting this outreach ministry. The “thank you” gift would be a picture of Volcano Agua which is located in the countryside of Guatemala near Antigua. This volcano, which literally means “The Water Volcano”, has a lake within its core. Beneath the lake is the fire of the volcano that heats the water, which rises in steam that floats as a cloud above the volcano several times a year.
For me, this volcano has become a symbol of our baptisms. Fire and water come together in a powerful way. The ancient believers of the Old Testament believed that God spoke to them out of a holy cloud called the “Shekinah” and led them to the land of Promise. In a similar way, our baptisms lead us to God’s Promises today.
I hope you will consider making this special gift in May over and above your regular gifts as a support both to our mission outreach in Guatemala supporting Pastors Amanda and Horacio, and as a support to our ministries here at home. A special envelope has been included within this mailing. Thank you for your consideration of this special offering.
Pastor Craig
Turning Point Counseling Center:
The Turning Point Counseling Center—May 2009
The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseling Center: This Christ-centered ministry has but one goal—to equip all God’s people to make spiritually mature decisions for their lives and accept the responsibility for those decisions.
Dr. Carl Jung, a significant psychologist, of the 20th century, once made this comment concerning this truism: Life Is Difficult. “If we avoid this reality, we will suffer emotionally. A Neurosis (twisted view of life) is always a substitute for legitimate suffering.” In other words, if we dare not name the pain, we will rid ourselves of it’s power!
What he is not saying is that life has treated some of us good, and some of us bad! In this respect, life is neither. Here is where I need to take responsibility as to how I will meet it head on. With this thought in mind, I will try to answer some of the questions that you have shared with me.
This first one always seems to be number one on my list. What are some positive ways to reduce stress? Let me share what I do, and just maybe, they will share a common note with you. I have found myself, far too often, jumping from one particular job challenge to another. This, alone, can build stress.
Now, I am taking a short break, between my focus areas, just to clear my mind, if nothing else. I also use an old fashion desk calendar to organize my day. Just being able to check things off gives me a sense of accomplishment!
Finally, I suggest that you take time, daily, to do something enjoyable, which has nothing to do with your day job. This can be as simple as talking with friends, doing some fun reading, enjoying a hobby, or taking a walk. You choose your own mind clearing recreation, and then do it!
Some of you have asked: How do I keep my mind active as I get older? Well, I notice that a lot of you do cross-word puzzles…EXCELLENT! I would also suggest having a quiet time with the Lord, daily. This gives your mind, soul and spirit permission to grow.
I know that many of you are quite organized, which is very good. I, too, have stick-ems all over! I am kind of off and on, in regard to memory devises. For example, when it comes to remembering names, if I repeat it to myself, and then try to recall it an hour or two later, it helps… just ask me my name, and I’ve got it right on the tip of my tongue! Some of you are great writers. Keep it up! In fact, why don’t you try talking to yourself, through journaling? That can become a great journey in discovering who you are.
I have had to place a new word in my vocabulary. I have had to learn to say: NO! It is wonderful how that little word has reduced a lot of stress! There is also a question that sneaks in, every now and then:
How do you keep a positive work place? The first thing that comes to mind is to get enough sleep. It is wonderful how this can create a positive attitude within us! Avoid the office complaining and blaming game. Treat each person with dignity and be quick to congratulate and/or thank.
Challenges come in all sizes. Try to determine how you can help in the solution and do it! If you need help, admit your human and ask for it. Don’t resort to a hissi-fit! I have to keep reminding myself that my example either honors God, or discredits me.
Life challenges us all! If you would like to sit down and chat, pleases give me a ring on this secure line: 507-645-8252 ext. 13. Your confidentiality will always be respected and maintained.
Neale Thompson
Spiritual Pastoral Counselor
Circle Meetings this Month
New Spirit : Monday, May 11
9:30am—Fireside lounge
Bible Leader: Hazel Peterson
Hostesses: Sharon Bauer & Bernice Reese
Hannah Circle: Tuesday, May 12
9:30am– Fellowship Hall
Hostess: Arly Boyum
Bible Study Leader: Joann Welinski
Esther Circle: Thursday, May 14
9:30am—Fireside Lounge
Rachel Circle: Tuesday, May 19
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Eve Circle: Monday, May 18
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Leader/Hostess: Linda Rowan
Women’s Fellowship:
Friday, May 1
9:00am– Perkins
Friday, May 15
9:00am– Fireside Lounge
Study Chapter
Church Council Meeting
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting; April 14, 2009
Council Present: Bergemann, Bergemann (Dale Snesrud), Carr, Chapman, Ehresmann, Pastor Ellingboe,
Pastor Graham, Lemke, Lundell, Machacek, Nelson, Schad, Scharber, Pastor Thompson
Absent: Topp, Vivant
Faith Bergemann led devotions.
Treasurer’s Report: We were a little behind from last year, but that could be due to the fact that last year, Easter was earlier. March was a break-even month.
Motion to approve the treasures report. Second and carried.
Secretary’s Report: Motion to accept. Second and carried.
Pastor Craig Ellingboe: Written report submitted.
There is an increase in need due to the economy. Looking for ways to reach out and help.
example: Job Replacement Seminar
School activities scheduled during Holy Week is concerning. Pastor Craig will raise the issue with the ministerial association. Jan Nelson suggested writing a letter to the school board and include 2010 Holy Week details so scheduling can be dealt with accordingly.
Staff coming to council was discussed in Staff meeting. Staff members would be required to attend quarterly as compared to monthly. February, May, August, & November would be the months – This includes the staff of Laura, Matt, and Bernadette.
Motion made to limit staff attendance to quarterly, and whenever needed by council. Council will appoint a secretary . Motion second and carried.
Pastor Paul Graham: Honored to experience Holy Week at St. Peter’s. Amazed at the volunteers involved.
Small groups are wrapping up. Will begin planning for fall small groups.
Invited Penny Carr and Faith Bergemann to equipping meeting. Encouraged all chairs to take
the gift assessment.
Visiting at the Care Center.
Looking forward to the Community Gardens
Fall planning
Parents Night Out; Another night is being planned.
Baptism for Eleanor Olson
Executive Committee –Good Work done on core values & mission statement
Paul & Kelly applied for Foster Care license
Simply Giving has been highlighted- Jo Odell gave a Temple Talk – Goal is to get 10 more signed
up for Simply Giving.
Pastor Neale Thompson: Thankful to be invited to council
Huge need for missionaries in L.A.M.P.
Business Management, John Ehresmann: John had a good trip to Nicaragua
Reveiwed insurance bids with Brad Ness, Church Mutual and we spoke with Sean Stevens; a quote was not
submitted
–Church mutual was carrier of choice.
Meetings to discuss adults driving vans, background checks, and more training then previously
offered. By doing these things will help keep premiums down. Change took place March 1
Stewardship, Scott Bergeman (Dale Snesrud): Fundraiser on Mother’s Day for Guatemala Mission Trip
Highlighting Simply Giving in the month of March
Highlight “Reaching Beyond Our Walls” in mission statement
Looking for further fundraising ideas.
All announcements for the bulletin
are due at 12:00pm on
Wednesday afternoons.
Pastor’s Corner
Worship Board, Faith Bergemann: Discussed Easter activities & ideas for doing things different
May 17- Baccalaureate
May 10- Something special for Mother’s day
Cantors and special music were discussed
Lot’s of discussion about New Member Sunday & Baccalaureate. Should we have a potluck? No
Intergenerational picnic was also planned for that weekend.
Congregational Life, Jo Odell: Working on “The Classics” -Pastor Paul said child care would be provided at the parsonage for the Classics event. “Dinner for 8” will kick off that night.
Youth Board, Penny Carr: Easter breakfast; served 180. Went well.
May 17th is “Scoopie Day” for St. Peter’s at Culver’s 10% of sales will go to St. Peter’s youth
Education & Youth Boards will be meeting on May 7th to plan activities.
Gas cards sold by youth through May 7th.
Evangelism Board, Jan Nelson: Classes for New Members are 4/23, 4/30, and 5/7 at 7pm; New Member Sunday is 5/17
Visitor packets are available for April. Still discussing a gift of banana bread.
Extended Ministries, Jeannie Machacek: Grief Support Group meets March 23 – April 27 at St. Peter’s
Meets at Bethel May 27-July 1
Retired Pastor Dan Zelski- “Coalition to end poverty by 2020” Support him with gas money to
help in the gulf.
Talked about the Community Garden- building relationships is a big part of that
St. Peter’s will have 2 plots behind the bus garage. May use gas card money to buy plots
for others. Need people to step forward and help in the gardens.
May 2, 9am-10:30am – Java Live- come with 50 ideas to help community.
Properties Board, Reine Lemke: Intergenerational Workday: May 17
Compost facility – Loren Jacobson
Looked at carpet samples- found that quotes are not all the same product. Asking for new
quotes with sample chosen. Decided to go with carpet squares, as compared to glue down. Can
replace small areas if needed.
New quotes for cement work, would like to have slab laid in April
Trees will be moved
New material estimate from Menards
Education Board, Laura Gilligan: Education Team has someone in mind for chair
Last rotation for Sunday School program is May 10th.
Intergenerational program on May 17
Wednesday After School Program is beginning tomorrow for 6 weeks
Old Business: Deadline for newsletter is Friday, April 17th
Pastor Craig gave cross from retreat to Jeannie Machacek and John Ehresmann.
A LETTER TO ST. PETER’S HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Dear St. Peter’s High School Graduates,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! This is an important milestone in your life, and it is an honor to be able to celebrate it with you. As you go on to the next chapter of your life, you will be surrounded by prayer – prayers from your family and your church family here at St. Peter’s. We are all very proud of you.
We pray that God blesses you in all that you do. God has given you unique gifts and
talents – put them to good use! You have so much potential it is astounding. You can make a difference – you are Jesus’ hands and feet. You can make this world a better place, you can care for others and the world God made.
It doesn’t matter how much money you make, or how successful you are according to the world’s standards. You will find that true joy and happiness and a meaningful life comes when you dedicate yourself to something larger than yourself. May your light shine, and your life will give glory to God who made you.
You have been given a promise. You are now and always will be a child of God. Christ has claimed you, you belong to Christ. When you were baptized, these words were spoken over you – “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ
forever.” No matter what happens, never forget that. That is the most important thing you can ever know.
These are uncertain times, and no one knows what the future holds. But know one thing – God has a plan and a purpose for your life. The real adventure is discovering what that plan is. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29: 11
Finally, a prayer for you: “O God, you have called us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go forth with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love
supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May you go forth and be who God created you to be!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Paul and your church family at St. Peter’s
Facts and Figures for March
2009 2008
March offerings: $43,918 $52,962
Year to date offerings: $109,357 $119,652
Each week we need to receive almost $10,000 in General Fund offerings at St. Peter’s.
God calls us to be faithful, especially in uncertain times. Thank you for all your generous and
thankful giving.
Thank You for All You Give!
Youth News
Baccalaureate Sunday
MAY 17th, 2009
On Sunday May 17th we will be honoring the graduating class of 2009. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall from 9:30 – 10:30. All are invited for cake and
refreshments. We will also be honoring the graduates at the 10:45 service.
Come and show your support for these youth as they begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives.
Coming to Northfield on JUNE 10th
THE MEGA MIX
Featuring Hip Hop artist AGAPE
Time: 6pm – Food, 7pm – Concert
Location: Estensons Farm
Cost: Only $5.00
This event is open to both High School and Middle School Youth!!
Middle School
Lock-in
Bowling, Pizza, Romans and Christians, Movies…..What more could you want!!??
Date: May 15th-16th
Time: Friday 7pm – Sat 7 am
Cost: $15.00
We will meet at the church at 7:00pm and then head over to the Bowling Alley. Somewhere around 9:00 pm we will make are way back to the church for the rest of the evening.
The Last Day of High School and Middle School Youth Forum will be on Sunday May 17th. Thanks for another GREAT Year of Forum.
MAY 17th – All day long!!
St. Peter’s Youth will be hosting a fundraiser at Culver’s this month on May 17th.
All you need to do is come into Culvers on May 17th purchase your favorite food or custard, and put your receipt into our box next to the register. At the end of the day Culver’s will give us 10% of all the receipts collected.
Who: All of St. Peter’s High School Seniors
What: An overnight retreat for the Class of ‘09.
Where: Good Earth Village in Spring Valley, MN. (About 2 hours from Northfield)
When: May 9th – 10th We’ll be leaving from the church at 1:00
and returning the next day around 2:00.
Cost: $45.00
To sign up for this event please contact Matt Iverson
“THE MIX”
Only two left this year!! If you haven’t been to The MIX yet this is your chance. The next Mix will be on May 13th at United Methodist Church.
As always we will be serving a meal at 6:30 and worship will begin at 7:00.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!
5th GRADE
We will be meeting for CAT class in May l. Class will meet on Wednesdays; May 6th, 13th and 20th. Class time will be from 4:15-5:15pm. We will be completing our study of the Apostles’ Creed. Be sure to bring your Bible and purple Catechism book to class.
Wednesday After School programming will also be meeting in May, so a bus will be available to bring kids to St. Peter’s from Greenvale and Bridgewater. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Congratulations – 5th graders
Congratulations and God’s blessings to the following fifth graders who received their first communion on April 9th at the Maundy Thursday Worship Service: Candice Anderson, Colman Anderson, Anna Dougherty, Tori Finger, Sean Gilligan, Matt Gordon, Tiffany Ingham, Eli Jasnoch, Nicole Laue, Tori Lauseng, Emily Reynolds, Kennedy Rieck, Maddie Riley, Brandon Schultz, Alexa Standfuss, Quinn Storlie, Taylor Storlie, Rachel Streitz, Cole Trebelhorn and Cadyn Welch.
6th Graders
Mark your calendars – our last retreat of the school year will be on Saturday, May 9th. More Information will be sent to you as plans are finalized.
We will be completing our study of the Lord’s Prayer, so be sure to bring your
catechism. Also; Pastor Paul will be working with 6th graders on the process of acolyting.
Any questions about the retreat, please ask. I’m looking forward to working with you all again!
Peace,
Laura
Family Event -Sunday, May 3rd
There will be no regular Sunday School classes during the Education Hour on Sunday, May 3rd.
Everyone is invited to join the Education Team and the Parents Connect group in Fellowship Hall for a special family event.
During the hour; we will express our appreciation to those who have helped with various Education programs throughout the school year. Following a time of thanks, we will be creating faith stones to be used at home.
We hope to see you there! To sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact the church office.
GIGGLE NEWS
Sunday Morning Schedule
April 26th -Sunday School classes will meet as usual. “Easter—I am a Believer” rotation
continues.
May 3rd -Regular Sunday School classes will NOT meet. Everyone is invited to join us in
Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for a Family Event. We will be thanking our Educators and making Faith Stones.
May 10th -Sunday School classes will meet as usual. This is the last day of the “Easter—I am a Believer” rotation.
May 17th -This is the last day of Sunday School for this school year. Join the Education Team in a celebration with games, crafts and music!
Shepherd Schedule:
First and Second Grade
April 26 Scott & Lisa Sevcik
May 3 Family event in Fellowship Hall
May 10 Clark & Paulette Johnson
May 17 Last day of Sunday School
Third Grade
April 26 Brad Gatzlaff & Mary Madison
May 3 Family event in Fellowship Hall
May 10 Scott & Leann Norkunas
May 17 Last day of Sunday School
Sincere Thanks
Thanks to; Kelley Erickson, Becky Johnson, Barb Liebenstein, Lisa Nystuen and Barb Spurrier for teaching the Easter Rotation this spring, to Pam Taubman and Lori Lauseng for teaching the pre-school kids, to Pam Tidona and parents of 1st-3rd graders for being shepherds for various classes, and to the Education Team for all their time, talent and commitment.
You are each a blessing to our kids!
Other Summer Opportunities
Good Earth Village along with Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s will again be hosting, On the Road in August. ‘On the Road’ meets from 8:00am-5:00pm; this year we will gather at Bethel. On the Road is available for children who have completed kindergarten through fourth grade. To register for On the Road, go to Good Earth Village online at www.goodearthvillage.org. On the Road meets from August 10th-13th, with opening worship on Sunday, August 9th. Registration forms are also available at the Welcome Center
In conjunction with On the Road; Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s will again host a Vacation Bible School for preschoolers. Registration forms for this joint VBS are also available at the Welcome Center.
We’re looking forward to working with your children through the summer! If you have any questions, please feel fee to contact anyone on the Education Team.
Vacation Bible School
It’s hard to believe summer is less that two months away! Join us at Crocodile Dock for VBS this year. St. Peter’s will host VBS from Sunday, June 7th – Thursday, June 11th. We will meet in the evening, beginning with a meal from 5:15-5:45pm, followed by class, crafts and music until 7:30pm. Children who have completed 3year old Sunday School through those who have completed 4th grade are invited to come and join us at Crocodile Dock. Youth and adults are invited and encouraged to participate as helpers.
Registration forms for ‘Crocodile Dock’ have been sent to Sunday School families. If you would like to help with VBS this year, need more information or additional registration forms, please contact Laura. Please register your children for VBS by Sunday, May 17th. The Education Team is truly looking forward to hosting a VBS here at St. Peter’s this year, in addition to other summer opportunities. We hope to see you there!
Friendship Forum
As He covers the sky with clouds,
He supplies the earth with rain,
and maketh the grass grow on hills
~Psalms 147:8
Friendship Forum comes to you through the Adult Education team. If this area is of interest to you, please contact Jan Gutzman at 507-645-9155. We would love to have you help us!
Friendship Forum Schedule for May
May 3 – “Sharing our Faith” – join The Education Team as we thank all those who have worked to
share the faith with our children and youth this year. Following a time of thanks, join the
Parent Connect group as they help us to create faith stones to help share our faith at home.
May 10- Mission Fundraiser
May 17—Baccalaureate
May 24—Veterans Sunday
Pentecost Sunday
We are asking you to please wear red on Pentecost,
Sunday, May 31.
SHARE YOUR MUSICAL GIFTS
Do you love to sing? Do you play an instrument? There are many ways you can share your musical gifts at St. Peter’s. Summer is a great time to explore new ways to
participate in worship, and many opportunities are available for small groups or individuals. Here are just a few:
Summer special music – St. Peter’s features special music at summer worship services. If you would like to share your talent this summer as a soloist or with a vocal or instrumental group, contact Peter Schlief.
Cornerstone – The Cornerstone praise team blesses our worship with music every week. If you sing or play an instrument, why not share your gift by singing or playing with Cornerstone? Contact Peter Schlief for more information.
There are many ways you can share your gifs at St. Peter’s. Come give God glory!
interested in providing music for
Sundays during the summer, please contact Peter Schleif.
Meet Ellen Trotman
A bit about Ellen: I have 2 children, Ahnika is 6 and Cullen is 1. Lance and I have been married for 9 years. We moved to Northfield 3 years ago from Eagan. Currently, I am staying at home with my
children and do licensed child care. Previously, I taught Randolph’s Preschool program, and before that I taught kindergarten at Tesseract School in Eagan. I enjoy running, spending time on the lake,
reading, movies, traveling to new places, and time with family and friends.
What brought Ellen and her family to St. Peter’s: We have been members of St. Peter’s for about 2 1/2 years. We were attracted to St. Peter’s by the welcoming members and staff, the children and youth programs, the location and size. We have always felt “at home” and welcomed at St. Peter’s, even before becoming members and really getting to know other members.
Ellen’s involvement at St. Peter’s: I have served on the Congregational Life board, and currently serve on the Education team. We are busy working on St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School program that will take place this June. We hope to see you there!
Lance and I also attend the Parents Connect group, and have really enjoyed getting to know other
families with young children. It is comforting to connect with other parents that experience some of the same issues and learn how they grow from and handled them. I believe parenting is the toughest and most important job I will do and to do it effectively takes a community of knowledge and support.
Ellen’s most rewarding contributions to St. Peter’s: I love people. Meeting and learning about them. By getting involved at St. Peter’s, I have been able to meet a variety of wonderful people I wouldn’t have gotten to know by simply attending church services.
Ellen’s outlook on the future of St. Peter’s: I would love to see the children’s and youth programs
continue to grow and expand. However, in order for that to happen we need more volunteers. It is
important for people to understand all of the volunteer opportunities. A little bit of time goes a long way! Their time and talents are so valuable, especially to the young members at St. Peter’s. We need to remember that our children are our future, and the future of our church. There are great things
happening, hopefully people will take the opportunity to be a part of them, young and old!
Volunteer: Sign-up team information
Please note we have a new sign-up method and it is as follows:
Sign-up for a 2-3 month period using the same sheets on the table in the Narthex.
Sign-up before the 17th of each month to have it appear in the next months Parish Visitor.
A master list pertaining to your team will be available on the table.
If you are unable to serve as prescheduled, refer to the master list for a
replacement.
~Ushers~
If you are interested in becoming an usher, please contact Mike Lane.
May 3 ~8:30am Bruce & Stephanie Christians
Phil & Thelma Winter
~10:45am Bert & Bernie Reese
May 10 ~8:30am Dale & Nancy Snesrud
Loren & Mavis Jacobson
~10:45am Bob & Glenna Fast
Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
May 17 ~8:30am
~10:45am Lael & Mona Weselmann
Rose & Evan Weselmann
May 24 ~8:30am
~10:45am Brian & Mary Peterson
Megan, Becca & John
May 31 ~8:30am
~10:45am
~Readers~
Please contact Mavis Bell if you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a reader.
May 3 ~8:30am Carmen Sevcik
~10:45am
May 10 ~8:30am Dale Snesrud
~10:45am Laura Gilligan
May 17 ~8:30am Mavis Bell
~10:45am Deb Schad
May 24 ~8:30am Virgil Witte
~10:45am Dale Ness
May 31 ~8:30am Laura Gilligan
~10:45am
Readers Only:
Prior to each month, Bernadette will place copies of the lessons, dated for each service, in the mailbox marked “Readers” at the office entrance.
At your convenience, please pick up the copy specific to your scheduled reading.
~Friendship Forum Kitchen
Serving Team~
May 3 Mike & Betty Chapman
Dan & Dottie Scharber
May 10
May 17 Dale & Linda Ness
May 24
May 31
~May Acolyte Schedule~
Please call the church with any changes.
Thank You.
May 3 ~8:30am Stephanie Riley
Paige Storlie
~10:45am Nate Picha
Chad Dougherty
May 10 ~8:30am Thomas Streitz
Mitchell Bornhauser
~10:45am Adam Simser
Jon Jensen
May 17 ~8:30am Maxine Trebelhorn
Joe Erickson
~10:45am Jordan Grant
Annika Johnson
May 24 ~8:30am Bethany Jewison
Ethan Finger
~10:45am Chad Dougherty
Christy Anderson
May 31 ~8:30am Paul Martinson
Renn Gruenhagen
~10:45am Kaitlyn Kuyper
Nick Neset
~Communion Assistants~
Please contact Bernice Christensen if you are interested in learning more about how to become a Communion Assistant.
May 3 ~8:30am -Set up Al Croone
-Servers Nancy Solberg
Carmen Sevcik
~10:45am No Communion
May 10 ~8:30am No Communion
~10:45am -Set up Bernice Christensen
-Servers Laura Gilligan
Bernice Christensen
May 17 ~8:30am -Set up Nancy Solberg
-Servers Jan Nelson
Ray Nelson
May 24 ~8:30am -Set up Mary Peterson
-Servers Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
~10:45am No Communion
May 31 ~8:30am Healing Service
~10:45am Healing Service
Given some time, and prayerful thoughts, we hope this new approach will be
encouragement for all to consider
participating in the Worship services.
Again, thank you to all for participating in the meaningful ministry.
Northfield Ecumenical Women Gathering
The 10th Annual gathering of the Northfield Ecumenical Women (N.E.W) and the “Fellowship of the Least Coin” will be held on Saturday, May2 at 9:30am at Little Prairie United Methodist Church, located south of Dundas.
All St. Peter’s women are invited to come share a common worship/learning experience. A
continental breakfast will be served followed by a program
featuring inspirational speaker, Grace Lusher. Her topic for the day will be “From Rags to Riches”. There will also be special music and an offering for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. The offering is sent to “Church Women United”
to fund projects worldwide helping women and children. Come for good food, and good company!
Women of St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat
October 2nd & 3rd
Camp Omega, Waterville MN
“Gifts of the Season” – Mary Fransen
All women of St. Peter’s are welcome . The retreat will begin on Friday evening at 7:00pm. You can arrive any time after 4:00pm. Dinner will be available for an additional cost of $6 if you wish to arrive before 5:30pm.
Please register as early as possible. $15 non-refundable deposit will be required along with your name, address, phone number, and any special needs requested. All registrations are due September 1. With additional funds from the book sale, the final payment should be no more then $37., which will be due on September 15. Registrations may be left in the church office in an envelope marked: Attention Celena Witt. Or, you can mail it to:
Celena Witt 1917 Adams Court Northfield, MN 55057.
Hope to see you there!
Prayer Team
Monday, May 4
from 12:00pm-1:30pm
in the Fireside Lounge.
If you have any questions or prayer concerns, please contact Jan Gutzman at 645-9155.
Bake Sale
A bake sale will be held on Sunday, May 3rd. This sale is being planned by the Women of St. Peter’s Board to raise funds to defray program expenses for the October Retreat, plus provide scholarships for women who would like to attend, but are financially unable. All funds will be used for the retreat and will lower the cost for all participants. Thrivent will be matching funds, and all purchases are by donation. All women are encouraged to bake, or buy, or both!
Baccalaureate Service and Reception:
Sunday, May 17
St. Peter’s will honor it’s Northfield High School
graduates during a special Baccalaureate,
Sunday, May 17 at 10:45am worship service. It will be preceded by a reception in their honor in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-10:30. All graduates and their families, as well as anyone who wishes to attend are invited to celebrate this special milestone with our graduates.
Graduates: You will soon be graduating! St. Peter’s members extend our most heartfelt congratulations for your achievements and look forward to honoring you for your accomplishments. You will receive a special invitation for this event. Please
remember to R.S.V.P to Mary Bleckwehl by Friday, May 8 @ 645-5028.
The following students will be honored on May 17:
Kyle Anderson
Natalie Baker
Ross Baker
Tyler Bleckwehl
Dusti Boyum
Becca Burnham
Hannah Cairns
Hannah Dvorak
Maren Dvorak
Tommy Falenschek
Erryn Gunderson
Cameron Hagen
Nicole Heinricy
Noelle Heinricy
Zach Heuer
Cassie Ingham
Alexandria Jenkins
Taylor Jensen
Cole Jirik
Haillie Kimmes
Anthony Kragness
Tyler Loesch
Cameron McGregor
Jacob Odell
Addison Payne
Becca Peterson
Maren Peterson
Krystle Pinc
Sean Pumper
Joseph Strachan
Chelsea Trebelhorn
Rose Weselmann
Zachary Womeldorf
Graduates: Please turn in one senior photo and one toddler photo to our church office by Friday, May 8. They will be used in a slide show on May 17.
Extended Ministries
We have had a very successful Grief Support Group which has met for six weeks. We thank all of you who participated , for sharing with us. Bethel Lutheran Church will continue the Grief Support Group at their church starting on May 27th through July 1st from 7:00pm-8:30pm. We are part of the Northfield Grief Coalition which offers support throughout the year,
St. Peter’s will have two 20×20 garden plots so that we can grow vegetable and/or flowers at Eric Dee’s land out near the bus garage. If you would like to help set up the gardens, please contact Nancy Topp or Jeannie Machacek. We need any kind of help we can get. If you like to garden, or help your children learn how to garden, we are waiting for your call. The vegetables could then be used by the congregation and the food shelf. And the flowers can be sold at the market to help with other needs. We are open to any other ideas! We will be using gas card funds to give scholarships to people who can not afford the garden spot.
The youth are selling gas cards for this month so that they may get the much needed carpet in the upstairs hallway. Everyone uses gas, so why not benefit our youth, and purchase your gas here at St. Peter’s! Gas cards can be purchased in the Narthex.
We have met with a Coalition to end poverty in Rice County by 2020. This is the beginning of something great!
Waiting for your call, in Jesus’s name, Amen
Nancy Topp: 507-334-2851
Jeannie Machacek: 507-645-5480
The Community Action Center provides a great service to our community. Below is a few ways you can help out the Center, and your community:
Bread Volunteers Needed—The Northfield CAC is in need of volunteers to pick up day old bakery goods from Econo Foods and deliver them to the Community Resource Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings between 9:00am and 10:00am. If you are available any of these mornings, please call Judy at the CAC, 664-3558 for more information.
Free Hot Meal Program– Thursday’s Table is a service of the Northfield Community Action Center designed to provide a hot and healthy meal to people in Northfield who could benefit from a free, nutritious meal. Through the collaboration of the CAC, Northfield School District, and the City of Northfield, free meals are served every Thursday evening from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The meal is served in the Northfield Community Resource Center dining room, located down the hall from the Clothes Closet.
The Community Services Division of the Northfield School District provides a children’s activity each week. Adult volunteers are needed to help set-up, serve food and beverages, and clean-up each week. Please call Katrina at the CAC, 664-3555 for more information.
Activity and Camp Scholarships The Community Action Center has funds available for summer activity scholarships for young people.
Families may choose residential camps, day camps, sports activities, art programs, or academic programs. Contact the CAC at 664-3550 for eligibility guidelines and to
schedule an appointment. Popular summer programs fill early, so it is important to register soon!
Clothing Donations Needed! The Clothes Closet is in need of spring and summer clothing
donations along with linens and small household items. Donations are accepted Wednesday and Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm. The donation drop-off doors are located on the east side of the building, directly off of Raider drive. Please call the CAC Clothes Closet, 664-3580 if you have any questions regarding donations. The store is open for business Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm; Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm. EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME TO SHOP AT THE CLOTHES CLOSET.
Donated Vehicles Needed Do you have a roadworthy car you do not need any longer? The CAC accepts cars that are in good working order as charitable donations. Unlike many used car programs, the CAC doesn’t sell the donated vehicles that they receive. This means the donors may use the fair market value of the vehicle they donate for tax purposes. Donated cars are matched with CAC income eligible
clients that have critical transportation needs.
If you would like further information on how to donate your vehicle, please call Judy at the CAC, 664-3558. Pajama Sewers Needed! Pajama kits are available for you to pick up at the Northfield Community Action Center Clothes Closet. The Clothes Closet is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm. The kits contain pre-cut fabric and sewing instructions. All you need to supply is the thread and elastic.
“Love cannot remain by itself—it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.”
~Mother Teresa
Northfield Community Action Center
Did you know that we have a local group of volunteers who pitch in to help people—LOCALLY—if they have a need. Of course, those who are members of the Senior Center know this through their Newsletter. These folks help out those who find it no longer possible to complete tasks around their yard or house because of the circumstances of life that they are dealing with.
In order to get the volunteers, each person who has a need is invited to contact Larry Odegard by the first weekend of the month. His number is 645-4576. He, in turn, will find volunteers to go out by the third weekend of the month. This arrangement has worked pretty good over the last two years. Pass the word around, so more people can say “Yes” to the question of: DID YOU KNOW?
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